Blackburn Rovers boss ready to roll back years as McClaren’s Derby County visit

THERE will be a reunion on the touchlines for the managers of Blackburn Rovers and Derby County tomorrow.

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer was coaching one of Derby’s junior teams when he first came across Steve McClaren.

McClaren was the Rams’ assistant manager at the time and, after 15 years in which he helped Manchester United win the treble, managed England and enjoyed success abroad, he now finds himself back at the club where his coaching career began.

And since returning to Pride Park in September as head coach McClaren has led Derby into the Championship play-off places with a run of 11 wins from 16 games.

Bowyer said: “I was the under 12s coach at Derby when Steve was their assistant manager.

“His lad used to play in the under 11s so he used to come on a Sunday morning and we used to see him on the touchlines.

“Even then, when he was assistant manager to Jim Smith, he was very highly thought of.

“Now he’s back at Derby and he’s done fantastically well there.

“You only have to look at what he has achieved in his career. He was Manchester United’s assistant manager when they won the treble, he then went on to win a trophy on his own at Middlesbrough, managed England, and then coached teams and have success abroad – and there are not many English managers who’ve achieved that.

“His record speaks for itself – he’s a great coach.

“So given the staff that they’ve got, given they are flying high, we know it’s going to be a tough challenge on Saturday.

“But it’s a challenge we’re more than capable of meeting.”

Rovers and the Rams are level in the form table after each taking 10 points from the last 18 on offer.

Comments (5)

I'm more interested in what happens on the pitch than the touchline. That said, it's not so long ago that McLaren was suffering Keanesque abuse but he has certainly got Derby moving.

I'm more interested in what happens on the pitch than the touchline. That said, it's not so long ago that McLaren was suffering Keanesque abuse but he has certainly got Derby moving.Angry From Accrington

chicken.pluckers wrote:
Under 12's coach, hahaha. You couldn't make this up!

15 years ago... Every manager starts somewhere you weapon.

yes gb certainly did move on coaching Rovers youth teams not exactly great strides eh
OUT WITH THE COWBOYS AND INDIANS

[quote][p][bold]Tugay's Understudy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]chicken.pluckers[/bold] wrote:
Under 12's coach, hahaha. You couldn't make this up![/p][/quote]15 years ago... Every manager starts somewhere you weapon.[/p][/quote]yes gb certainly did move on coaching Rovers youth teams not exactly great strides eh
OUT WITH THE COWBOYS AND INDIANSdangerous dave